The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The grade inflation at WCHS may present more threats than students realize.

Grade inflation doesn’t get the A

By Tafa Nukator, Assistant Opinions Editor October 17, 2023

As college application season comes into full swing, WCHS seniors are more concerned with their GPAs than ever. Many of them are thankful for grade-boosting policies that both the school and the county...

WCHS senior Eric Bomfim using his MacBook during class to complete assignments. The continual use of personal laptops is something WCHS is trying to eliminate.

WCHS cracking down on the PMD policy is beneficial

By Caroline Harless, News Editor October 3, 2023

Implemented in the 2022-23 school year, the Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Policy aimed to prevent student use of personal devices—including cell phones, personal laptops and headphones—during class...

Seen above is the symbol of the Montgomery County Council of Maryland. The MOCO Council continues to debate over County Executive Marc Elrichs proposed budget, allocating $239.9 million for the new fiscal year.

Schools squeezed: budget cuts threaten education’s vital foundation

By Amir-Abbas Yazdi, Opinions Editor May 31, 2023

Schools are more than mere buildings; they serve as the bedrock of the community, shaping future leaders and innovators. So why has the Montgomery County Council approved a plan for over $25 million in...

All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson was the second most banned book of the 2021-2022 school year with 29 bans. Luckily, WCHS students have access to it at the media center.

Book banning: a slippery slope straight to censorship

By Sabrina Chou, Staff Writer May 20, 2023

From coming-of-age comics to biographies on the civil rights movement, the WCHS media center has it all. It’s so simple: go to the library, scan the shelves, and check out a book that piques your interest....

In 2021, about 75% of adolescent overdose deaths were attributed to fentanyl. The opioid has become more common in schools recently, leading to more risk, and in many cases, preventable deaths.

Decisive action needed to eradicate substance use

By Maximus Wang, Staff Writer May 20, 2023

The heartbreaking stories are numerous and overwhelming- a bright young student losing their life to a substance they, whether intentionally or not, consumed. This killer always seems so far away, until...

Racing towards the finish line at the WCHS track, Arnav Juneja practices for the next upcoming track meet. The junior prepares for the 200 meter and 400 meter races as a mid-distance sprinter.

AP overload: two tests in one day is unrealistic

By Ryan Weiner, Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2023

Pens scribbling on test booklets, timers ticking down on boards, and students inevitably stressing at each turn of a page. When AP season kicks off across the nation on May 1, these are things one can...

WCHS sophomore Eva Lee, a visual learner is reviewing a topic for her AP class by looking at a picture that provides a demonstration on April 16, 2023.

Beyond the celebrations: the controversy surrounding ‘Bed Parties’ for college acceptances

By Michael Demske, Sports Editor May 1, 2023

The typical reaction students have when they receive an acceptance letter from their dream college or university is to celebrate with friends and family. This concept is foreign to some, though, as they...

Fields such as the one pictured below at Richard Montgomery, are not accessible to students and must be open to everyone.

Is MCPS taking protection over their fields too far?

By Michael Demske, Sports Editor April 27, 2023

OpiEvery athlete's worst nightmare is having no place to practice their sport, or be able to play sports with their friends. It is becoming harder and harder for teenagers to access the athletic fields...

Ben Affleck is seen pretending to be a Dunkin’ Donuts employee in the 2023 Dunkin’ Donuts Super Bowl commercial.

Are Superbowl ads worth the expense?

By Kendyl Groisser, Assistant Online Editor March 13, 2023

Nearly 100 million people sit down to watch the biggest American football game in the US. Most watch for the game or the halftime show, but some watch for the intriguing commercials. These commercials...

An MCPS press release provides a visual diagram of how semester grades began getting calculated starting the 2016 school year.

MCPS grades are inflated and that needs to change

By Rachel Mattison, Online Editor-in-Chief December 6, 2022

In a world where college admission is already so difficult with so many high-achieving students, MCPS’ current grading system puts its top students at a disadvantage. With no differential in a 10% grading...

Taking AP Exams have many benefits for students such as receiving college credit and standing out to colleges. However, the early registration deadline places unnecessary limitations on students abilities to take exams.

Observer Opinion: An Advanced Placement inconvenience

By Caitlin Murphy, Copy Editor December 2, 2022

Every fall, high school students across the country are forced to make a choice: whether or not to register for AP Exams. Along with it being the start of a new month and an early action college application...

Most colleges and universities use the 4.0 scale where earning zeros will not hurt one’s grade nearly as much as the standard high school grading system

“50% Rule” for assignments: dope or nope?

By Julia Levi, Assistant Observations Manager December 2, 2022

A student shakes their head in disbelief as they anxiously stare at the test in front of them, puzzled by the questions. Having mistakenly read the wrong chapter of a textbook, the student anticipates...

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